Cricket’s Grand Return: International Stars Set to Play in Kashmir After Four Decades
Srinagar: In a historic moment for sports enthusiasts in the region, international cricket is set to return to Kashmir after nearly four decades. The Legends League Cricket (LLC) has announced that the final leg of its upcoming season will be held at the iconic Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar this October, marking the revival of high-profile cricket in the valley.
The season is scheduled to kick off on September 20 at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. However, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the final matches in Srinagar, where both Indian and international cricket legends will grace the field, much to the delight of local fans who have been starved of live cricket action for almost 40 years.
Raman Raheja, the Co-Founder of LLC, shared his excitement about the league’s expansion into Kashmir. “We are thrilled to bring the Legends League Cricket to Kashmir this season,” Raheja said in a statement. “This is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s an opportunity for the people of Kashmir to reconnect with the sport on a grand scale.
The decision to host matches in Kashmir is seen as a significant step in bringing major sporting events back to the valley, which has a rich history of cricketing culture but has been deprived of such events for decades due to various challenges. The return of cricket is expected to not only entertain local fans but also boost tourism and showcase Kashmir’s hospitality to a global audience.
The Legends League Cricket has quickly established itself as a fan-favorite, drawing an impressive viewership of 180 million across India during its previous season, which featured 19 thrilling matches. This year, with an extended schedule and the inclusion of prominent players like recently retired Indian star Shikhar Dhawan, the league is poised to set new records in terms of both viewership and fan engagement.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the excitement is palpable among cricket fans in Kashmir, who are eagerly anticipating the return of live cricket to their homeland. This event promises to be more than just a sporting spectacle; it will be a celebration of Kashmir’s enduring love for cricket and a testament to the region’s resilience and spirit.